Who is staying and going with Dolphins' cuts on Saturday?

A projection of what the Dolphins' cuts to 53 players might look like

August 30, 2013|Omar Kelly, Commentary

Is this seriously the best the Miami Dolphins can do?

After six draft cycles, and a $280-plus million spending spree aimed at rejuvenating the 2013 roster, it is a challenge to conclude that General Manager Jeff Ireland has built a winning football team, a playoff contender.

While the Dolphins' roster possesses eight former Pro Bowlers, and a handful of players like Mike Pouncey, Reshad Jones and Brandon Fields, who could reach that level soon, this team's depth remains an issue.

Tight end, offensive tackle, receiver and the linebacker unit could use an upgrade from the waiver wire, which means this roster isn't finished before the season's start, which comes next week on the road against the Cleveland Browns.

Here is the Sun-Sentinel's projection of the Dolphins' 53-man roster, breaking down who is likely safe, and who is in the danger zone heading into Saturday's cuts, which must be made by 6 p.m.

Position: Quarterback

In: (2) Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore

Out: Pat Devlin and Aaron Corp

Comment: The Dolphins are caught in a numbers game at quarterback, and truth is neither Devlin or Corp have the talent to win an NFL regular season game if the team needed them in a pinch.

Comment: Miller and Thomas will share the backfield. Thigpen is the primary return specialist. Rodriguez unseated former fullback Jorvorskie Lane because he's more versatile, and brings a little more special teams value. Gray, who averaged 2.7 yards on his 40 carries this preseason, can be developed on the practice squad.

Comment: Quality depth is an issue here because of injuries. McNutt, who caught a game-winning 56-yard touchdown pass against the Saints on Thursday night, is likely kept until the Dolphins can find someone better on the waiver wire. Tyms, Davis and Bumphis are ideal practice squad candidates because of their upside, but only two will get on.

Position: Tight end

In: (3) Charles Clay, Dion Sims and Michael Egnew

Out: Kyle Miller

Comment: Dustin Keller's season-ending knee injury sends the Dolphins searching for a starter, and keeps Egnew safe, for now. Someone needs to step up, or the Dolphins will continue shopping for an upgrade all season.

Comment: Cutting Lance Louis thins out the unit, which features three upper echelon starters in Pouncey, Incognito and Clabo. Martin and Jerry have much to prove, and the backup need plenty of polishing. Two will likely be kept on the practice squad.

Comment: The Dolphins have quantity and quality on the defensive front, but are forced to make some tough cuts if they don't move someone in a trade first. The final spots come down to Randall, Shelby and Francis, an undrafted rookie who has impressed.

Comment: Linebacker depth is an issue behind Ellerbe, Wheeler and Misi. Trusnik, Spitler and Freeny have special teams value, but would they blossom as linebackers if one of the starters suffered an injury? That's debatable, which is why Jenkins and Robinson get kept to be developed.

Comment: The release of Richard Marshall opens up a spot for a fourth safety, making McCray the last defender on the 53, just ending out Jones. Everyone who isn't a starter needs to excel on special teams to keep their spot.

Position: Special teams

In: (3) K Caleb Sturgis, P Brandon Fields, LS John Denney

Comment: Sturgis, who unseated Dan Carpenter for the spot, was 9-for-9 on field goals in the preseason. Denney helped the Dolphins recover two fumbles in five games, and Fields is one of the NFL's best punters.